Broad-spectrum antibiotics

Broad-spectrum antibiotics are medications that target a wide range of bacteria, both Gram-positive and Gram-negative types. They are used to treat infections when the specific bacteria causing the illness are unknown or when there is a suspicion of multiple bacterial infections. These antibiotics work by disrupting essential processes in various bacteria, helping to eliminate the infection. While effective in urgent situations, their use can also affect beneficial bacteria in the body, which may lead to side effects like infections or resistance. Therefore, they are usually prescribed cautiously and for specific durations.